Geldart & Former Junior Crosse Re-Join Lions

The Lee Valley Lions are pleased to announce their next pair of signings for 2017/18, with Simon Geldart and former Lion and Lee Valley junior Michael Crosse returning to Lea Bridge Road.

Joint Coaches Player of the Year Geldart, joins for his 3rd season in East London after signing half-way through the 2015/16 season from the Northumbria University Kings. The Billingham trained player was an instant hit with his physical style of play. His first full season in a Lions shirt saw him score 12 points from 22 games, taking him to 16 points from 29 games in total.

“I am proud to be back playing for the Lions for the 3rd consecutive season and was ecstatic when I got the call. I’m most looking forward to the new league structure and the opportunity to play teams I’ve not played before, in rinks I’ve never played in. With the dressing room full of players who want to improve individually and with George’s coaching I look forward to a good competitive season.”

Former junior player Michael Crosse returns to Lee Valley after completing his studies at Southampton University, where he played for the Spitfires in the BUIHA league. The 22 year old was a part of the first Lee Valley junior team to gain promotion to Under 18’s Division 1 in 2011. From there he kept the 18’s in the league with 30 points from 16 games, whilst also making his Lions debut, he then spent 2012/13 with the Lions, scoring 9 points from 16 games, before going to university.

“I am very happy to be back at Lee Valley and delighted to sign for the Lions. I have great memories playing throughout the junior system, and I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates and hope for a successful season with Lee Valley.

I am enjoying myself already with the open sessions at the moment and would like to thank George and Eddie for welcoming me back.”

Coach George Alley spoke about the latest signings.

“I’m so pleased to have these two players on board. Despite their different backgrounds, both players have a very deep understanding what it means to be a part of this team.

Simon is one of the big personalities in the dressing room and like Simon Jones, showed himself to be a great leader when the team faced difficult situations last season. He is very uncompromising in his approach and will put himself in any situation for the team’s benefit. You don’t have many players willing to do these sort of things at our level and we’re very lucky to have someone like Simon around.

I hope Michael will surprise people this season, even though he’s had a lot of time away from the game. He’s a very intelligent player who’s shown during the open skates that he still has great awareness, particularly in the opponent’s zone. If he can adapt to the physicality of the league I believe he can really contribute to the club’s progression. I’m looking forward to challenging him to improve throughout the season”.

GearGeek is the world's first online NHL equipment database. See what every active NHL player is using on the ice right now - sticks, gloves, pants, skates and helmets. You can sort by brands, teams, positions, stat leaders and more. GearGeek is free to use, and no registration needed. Check us out now!